Radiographic film positioner



June 20, 1961 c. L. OULD ETAL RADIOGRAPHIC FILM POSITIONE'R 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 6, 1959 CARLTON L. OULD AL VCE L. ALLEN IN VE N 701415 HUEBNER 8 WORREL June 20, 1961 c, OULD ETAL 2,989,634

RADIOGRAPHIC FILM POSITIONER Filed July 6, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 073 j 50/6/ 50 CARLTON L. OULD 36 ALYCE L. ALLEN IG. 2. uws/vrom HUEBNER a WO/PREL ATTORNEVJ United States Patent 2,989,634 RA'DIOGRAPHIC FILM POSITIONER Carlton L. Ould, 845 Fern Ave., and Alyce L. Allen, 1932 W. Garland, both of Fresno, Calif. Filed July 6, 1959, Ser. No. 824,983 6 Claims. (Cl. 250-58) The present invention relates to a radiographic film positioner and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting a patient to be X-rayed especially during surgery, for releasably receiving X-ray film beneath the patient, and for enabling such film to be positioned precisely in desired locations longitudinally of the patient by the operating surgeon without breaking his scrub.

It is usually necessary to take X-rays of patients either before, during, or after surgical operations. These X- rays ordinarily are taken when the patient is in a reclining position, as, for example, when supported on a gurney, X-ray table, or on the operation table itself.

In the past, means have been provided for releasably inserting X-ray film between a patient and the table supporting the same and locating the film longitudinally of the table to a position beneath the patient corresponding to the part of the body to be photographed. However, special problems are presented when it is necessary to take X-rays during an operation, such as for hip nailing or when taking cholangiograms.

It has been known to provide a box under the mattress and below the general operative area of the patient. When an X-ray is desired, it has been necessary for an X-ray attendant to reach under the drapes and to place a film holding cassette in the box and thereupon attempt to locate the film below the precise area of the patient to be X-rayed. Apart from being unable quickly and accurately to position the film in the desired location, this method requires the attendant to enter the sterile field and to come into contact with sterilized drapes and other equipment. Further, there is no provision with this method of precisely and rapidly locating the film in the same position for a succession of X-rays of the same area of the patient.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved radiographic film positioner.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for supporting a patient to be X-rayed, for releasably receiving X- ray film beneath the patient, and for enabling such film to be positioned at precise locations longitudinally of the patient.

Another object is to enable X-rays to be taken of a patient being operated upon without disturbing the sterile field, the sterile drapes, or interfering with the surgical team.

Another object is to provide a tunnel longitudinally extended underneath a patient reclining on a table which tunnel is adapted to receive X-ray film from either end thereof.

Another object is to take X-rays of a patient on a table without moving the patient.

Another object is to enable X-ray film to be located underneath a patient on a table throughout substantially the entire length of the patient.

Another object is to minimize the time and effort involved in taking X-rays on hospital tables.

Another object is to enable control of the position of X-ray film underneath a patient lying on a table from either end of the table.

Another object is to provide a device of the nature described which does not interfere with conventional cassette centering mechanisms.

Another object is to provide an apparatus as described herein which is light in weight, economical to construct,

Patented June 20, 1961 dependable in operation, and adapted for use on various tables.

Another object is to provide an apparatus of the type described which can be releasably dependably supported on a table and which will remain on the table even during tilting thereof.

These, together with other objects, will become more fully apparent upon reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a hospital table on which is provided a radiographic film positioner incorporating the principles of the present invention, and of an X- ray machine located in a position for taking an X-ray photograph of a patient lying on a mattress covering the positioner.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged top plan view of the radiographic film positioner of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a still further enlarged longitudinal section taken on line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a still further enlarged fragmentary transverse section taken on line 44 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged perspective View of a carriage constituting part of the film positioner of the subject invention.

FIG. 6 is a somewhat enlarged perspective view of a cassette tray which the carriage of FIG. 5 is adapted to receive.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a tray positioning rod employed in the present invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, a table of the type found in hospitals or medical offices is generally indicated by the numeral 10 and is supported on legs 11 to which are connected wheels 12. Although the table is shown as a gurney, it is also intended to represent an X-ray table, operating, or surgical table, or any other type of table or body support employed in this environment. The radiographic film positioner of the subject invention includes an elongated, rectangular casing 16, best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and is preferably made of galvanized iron or heavy weight aluminum. It is important to minimize the weight of the apparatus to facilitate carrying thereof by one person. The casing has a pair of elongated, longitudinally spaced parallel side plates 17; elongated longitudinally extended, coplanar, lower side flanges 18 inwardly right-angularly extended from the side plates; lower end flanges 19' rigidly interconnecting the lower side flanges which, together with the lower side flanges, constitute a flat bottom for the casing; upper side flanges 20 in upwardly spaced parallel relation to the lower side flanges, at their respective sides of the casing, and also inwardly extended from the side plates, as best seen in FIG. 4; upper end flanges 21 in upwardly spaced parallel relation to the lower end flanges; and upwardly extended end plates 22 transversely interconnecting the side plates and rightangularly related to the upper end flanges, as best indicated in FIG. 3. A rectangular upper panel 24, preferably of Bakelite or similar material, is positioned on the upper end and side flanges between the side and'end' plates and is flush with the upper edges of the plates. Screws 25 are extended downwardly through the panel and into the flanges for holding the panel in the described position thereby providing a flat top for the casing. Al-

FIG. 3. Rigid lateral tongues 30' are rigidly downwardly;

extended from the side plates 17, there being a pair of longitudinally spaced tongues on each side of the casing.

Further, each side plate has an elongated, longitudinally extended slot 32 having opposite ends terminating short of the opposite ends of the casing.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, the subject positioner includes a substantially rectangular carriage 36 having a width slightly less than the minimum distance between the side plates 17 and a length approximately one half of the length of the casing 16 in the illustrated embodiment. The carriage includes a lower frame 37 having a pair of opposite side members 38 and end members 39 transversely interconnecting the side members. Of course, the frame also circumscribes a lower opening. A pair of elongated runners 40 is rigidly connected to the side members 38 on the undersurface thereof and in spaced parallel relation to each other. Side bars 41 are rigidly connected to the top surface of the side members and have opposite ends 42 terminating short of the opposite end edges of the frame. Control knobs 44 are connected to the side bars intermediate the opposite ends thereof and extend laterally outwardly from the side bars.

Latches 50 are individually pivotally connected to opposite ends 42 of the side bars 41 by means of pivot pins 51 extended longitudinally of the bars and parallel to each other. Manipulating pegs 52 are connected to the latches in radially spaced relation to the pivot pins. The latches are rectangular and are adapted for movement between horizontal latching positions extended inwardly from their respective side bars in rested engagement on the end members 39, as shown at the left in FIG. 5, and vertical retracted positions fitted in coincident relation against the ends of their respective side bars, as shown at the right in FIG. 5. The carriage 36 is longitudinally slidably rested on the lower side and end flanges 18 and 19 of the casing 16 for movement longitudinally of the tunnel 27 into selected photographing positions. The knobs 44 extend laterally outwardly through the slots 32 and limit longitudinal movement of the carriage at opposite ends of the tunnel by engagement with the easing at the opposite ends of the slots, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In its endmost limited positions, opposite end portions of the carriage extend endwardly outwardly through the respective open ends of the tunnel in film loading positions.

The carriage 36 is adapted to accommodate a cassette holding tray 60 of conventional type having opposite sides 61 and opposite ends 62. The tray provides a centrally located window 64 and a cassette holding and centering mechanism generally indicated by the numeral 65 and partially illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 6. Handles 67 are connected to the opposite ends of the tray. The carriage is of suflicient width to receive the cassette tray slidably on the frame 37 between the bore 41. The longitudinal distance between the opposite ends of the bore is approximately equal to the length of the cassette tray, exclusively of the handles 67. Therefore, with the tray completely within the carriage, the latches 50 are pivoted into latching positions and releasably return the tray in the carriage.

Operation The operation of the described. embodiment of the subject invention is briefly summarized at this point.

Before performing an operation on a patient, the casing 16 is positioned on the table 10. The table provides receptacles generally indicated at 70 for slidably receiving the tongues 30 of the casing thereby dependably to retain the casing on the table and to prevent transverse or longitudinal sliding movement of the casing relative to the table. Although the table is not illustrated as being of the type which can be tilted, or the like, it is to be understood that this association of the tongues in the receptacles holds the casing on the table notwithstanding such tilting movements. The casing is preferably somewhat shorter than the standard length of hospital table to allow for tables having folding leaves. Thus, with the table illustrated, the casing is positioned so that one end thereof is coincident with an end of the table while the other end of the casing is in inwardly spaced relation to its respective end of the table.

A rectangular mattress 75, covered with a conductive rubber sheeting, is then placed over the casing 16, and a small cushion 76 is located between the mattress and the table at the end of the casing which is spaced inwardly from its respective end of the table so that the casing is entirely covered. A patient, generally indicated by the numeral 78, is then placed in reclined position on the mattress with his head generally above the cushion. Normally, surgical drapes 79 cover the patient and extend downwardly over opposite sides of the table and the casing. X-ray equipment 80 is located adjacent to the table for movement longitudinally thereof in a manner well-known.

If an X-ray of the patient 78 is desired, an X-ray technician or attendant, inserts a film holding cassette 81 into the holding centering mechanism 65 of the cassette tray 60 in the usual manner. The carriage 36 is then slid outwardly into one of its endmost loading positions with an end portion thereof extended out of an end of the tunnel 27, as illustrated in FIG. 2. For this purpose an elongated positioning rod 85 having an end hook 86 is extended into the tunnel and the hook engaged with a handle 67.

With the latches 50 on the extended end of the car riage 36 retracted, the cassette tray 60 is slidably inserted into the carriage. When the cassette tray is completely within the carriage, the latches are moved into latching position so as to engage opposite ends 62 of the holder and releasably to retain the holder longitudinally and transversely within the carriage. It is to be noted that the opening in the carriage accommodates the holding and centering mechanism 65 of the cassette tray. As is evident in FIG. 3, with the cassette 81 centered in the tray by the centering mechanism 65, and with the latches retaining the tray in the carriage, the knob 44 is located in a plane extended transversely of the casing 16 and bisecting the cassette.

The rod 85 is again used to position the carriage 36 longitudinally of the tunnel 27 in the desired photographing position under the patient 78 where an X- ray is to be taken. However, the surgeon may grasp one of the control knobs 44 and personnally position the carriage and thus the cassette 81 at the precise position he desires underneath the patient. Because of the location of the knob relative to the cassette 81, the surgeon knows at all times where the precise center of the cassette is. Preferably, graduations are provided on the rod 85, as illustrated, so that the carriage can be located in the same position for a succession of photographs. Although constituting no part of the present invention, a detachable grounding wire, not shown but of conventional usage, is connected to the handle of the tray 60 and to the table 10.

When the X-ray has been taken, the rod 85 is again used to slide the carriage 36 endwardly of the tunnel 37 and until the control knobs 44 engage the casing 16 at one end of the slots 32. The latches 50 are retracted and, by means of the handle 67, the cassette tray 60 is removed from the carriage. The cassette 81 can then be removed from its tray for development of the film while another unexposed film can be put in the tray for a subsequent photograph.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that a radiographic film positioner has been provided which enables the positioning of'X-ray films under a patient from outside of the sterile field and without interference either with the surgical drapes or surgical team. The apparatus described enables control of the location of the ing surgeon and allows the film to be located in precisely the same position for a succession of photographs. The subject positioner, while particularly adapted for use on an operating table and during an operation, is also adapted to be positioned on various medical tables. The device accommodates a conventional cassette tray and does not interfere with the normal action of the cassette centering mechanism. The positioner is reliable in operation and can be dependably retained on a hospital table even during tilting and other movements of the table.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded, the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination with a substantially horizontal table adapted to support a person in a reclined position and having opposite ends and opposite sides, an apparatus for positioning an X-ray film holder at selected positions between the table and the person comprising an elongated substantially rectangular casing having opposite sides and opposite ends and being releasably supported on the table in longitudinal extension underneath a person on the table with the opposite sides and ends of the casing being respectively adjacent to the opposite sides and ends of the table, the casing providing an elongated, substantially rectangular, longitudinally extended tunnel open at opposite ends of the casing and an elongated slot in one side of the casing opening into the tunnel and extended longitudinally thereof and having opposite ends terminating short of the opposite ends of the casing, the casing further providing transversely spaced, lower horizontal flanges extended longitudinally of the tunnel between the opposite open ends thereof; a substantially rectangular carriage located within the tunnel including a pair of elongated, transversely spaced, substantially parallel, longitudinally extended runners individually slidably rested on the flanges of the casing, a substantially horizontal, flat rectangular frame mounted on the runners in upwardly spaced substantially parallel relation to the flanges, and elongated bars connected to and transversely upwardly extended from the frame in transversely spaced parallel relation to each other and extended longitudinally of the tunnel in individually adjacent relation to the sides of the casing, the carriage being thereby longitudinally slidably movable within the tunnel; a control knob connected to one of the bars of the carriage and extended outwardly through its respectively adjacent slot for enabling manual movement of the carriage longitudinally in the tunnel, the knob abutting the casing at opposite ends of the slot for limiting longitudinally movement of the carriage in the tunnel to loading and unloading positions at opposite ends of the tunnel, the carriage extending outwardly through the open ends of the tunnel when the carriage is in said loading and unloading positions, the carriage being adapted to receive an X-ray film holder releasably slidably on the frame of the carriage between the bars thereof; and latches pivotally connected to the bars at opposite ends of the carriage for movement between latching positions extended inwardly of the carriage from the bars and engageable with such a film holder to prevent longitudinal slidable movement of the holder in the carriage, and unlatched positions retracted outwardly from said latched position for enabling insertion and removal of the film holder.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the table has receptacles at opposite sides thereof; and wherein tongues are rigidly downwardly extended from opposite sides of the casing and releasably received in the receptacles for 6 precluding longitudinal and transverse movement of the casing relative to the table.

3. In combination with a table adapted to support a person in a reclined position and having opposite ends and opposite sides, an apparatus for positioning an X- ray film holder at selected positions between the table and the person comprising an elongated substantially rectangular casing having opposite sides and opposite ends and being releasably supported on the table in longitudinal extension underneath a person on the table with the opposite sides and ends of the casing being respectively adjacent to the opposite sides and ends of the table, the casing providing an elongated, substantially rectangular, longitudinally extended tunnel open at opposite ends of the casing and an elongated slot in one side of the casing opening into the tunnel and extended longitudinally thereof and having opposite ends terminating short of the opposite ends of the casing, the casing further providing transversely spaced, lower flanges extended longitudinally of the tunnel between the opposite open ends thereof and rested on the table; a substantially rectangular carriage fitted in the tunnel including a pair of elongated, transversely spaced, runners extended longitudinally and individually slidably rested on the flanges of the casing, a substantially flat rectangular tray supporting member mounted on the runners in substantially parallel relation to the flanges, and elongated bars connected to and transversely upwardly extended from the supporting member in transversely spaced substantially parallel relation to each other and extended longitudinally of the tunnel in individually adjacent relation to the sides of the casing, the carriage being thereby longitudinally slidably movable within the tunnel; a control knob connected to the carriage and extended outwardly through the slot for enabling manual movement of the carriage longitudinally of the tunnel, the knob abutting the casing at opposite ends of the slot for limiting longitudinal movement of the carriage in the tunnel to loading and unloading positions at opposite ends of the tunnel, the carriage being extended outwardly through the open ends of the tunnel when the carriage is in said loading and unloading positions, the carriage being adapted to receive an X-ray film holder releasably slidably on the supporting member of the carriage between the bars thereof; and latches connected to opposite ends of the carriage for movement between latching positions extended inwardly of the carriage from the bars and engageable with such a film holder to prevent longitudinal slidable movement of the holder in the carriage, and unlatched positions retracted outwardly from said latched positions for enabling insertion and removal of the fihn holder.

4. A portable body supporting and X-ray film positioning apparatus comprising an elongated, rigid casing having opposite, transversely extended ends, opposite sides longitudinally extended between said ends, an upper body supporting panel of X-ray pervious material extended between said ends, and lower wall means in opposed relation to the panel, the sides, panel and wall means circumscribing an elongated tunnel of substantially rectangular cross-section and opening endwardly outwardly through the opposite ends of the casing, one of the sideshaving an elongated slot therein opening into the tunnel and extended longitudinally of the casing, the slot terminating in opposite ends in spaced relation to opposite ends of the casing, the casing having a length between said open ends at least as long as the height of a person to be X-rayed while lying on the panel; an elongated U-shaped carriage fitted in the tunnel and slidably supported on the lower wall means for movement in opposite directions longitudinally of the casing, the carriage having an elongated channel extended longitudinally of the tunnel and providing open ends respectively disposed toward their adjacent open ends of the tunnel; and a film cassette holding tray releasably slidably received in the channel of the carriage having endwardly outwardly extended handles adjacent to opposite ends of the carriage, the carriage including latch means at opposite ends thereof releasably engaging and retaining the tray in the channel and a knob secured to a side of the carriage and outwardly extended through the slot for movement longitudinally between opposite endmost positions engaging the casing at opposite ends of the slot in which positions the corresponding ends and handle of the carriage and tray extend outwardly from their respective open ends of the casing for facilitating loading and unloading of the tray.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 including a film holding cassette in the tray, wherein the tray has a cassette centering mechanism engaging and maintaining the cassette in the tray in a predetermined position therein, and wherein said latch means, by engagement with the tray, maintain the cassette in a predetermined position longitudinally of the carriage whereby a plane substantially transversely normal to the casing and containing the knob substantially bisects the cassette.

6. A portable body supporting and radiographic film positioning apparatus comprising an elongated hollow casing of rectangular cross-section having opposite ends, and substantially rectangular upper and lower wall means interconnected by elongated sides plates and circumscribing an elongated rectangular tunnel opening longitudinally endwardly of the casing and at both ends thereof, the casing having length from end-to-end thereof at least as long as the height of a patient who is to lie on the upper wall means thereof, one of the side plates having an elongated slot extended longitudinally thereof and transversely opening into the tunnel, the slot having opposite ends spaced inwardly from respectively adjacent, opposite ends of the casing; an elongated carriage shorter than the casing being fitted in the tunnel and having transversely spaced side portions extended longitudinally of the tunnel and slidably engaging said lower wall means, opposite ends respectively adjacent to opposite ends of the casing, a fiat central member borne by and extended transversely of the side portions and defining a channel with said side portions, said channel being open at both ends of the carriage, and a knob extended through the slot for slidable movement longitudinally thereof and being connected to the adjacent side portion of the carriage; and a radiographic film cassette holding tray longitudinally releasably fitted in the channel of the carriage in slidable engagement with the central member thereof and having opposite ends positionable in substantially coterminous relation with opposite ends of the casing, the carriage including latch means connected to opposite ends thereof and being movable between latching position extended transversely of the channel so as to preclude movement of the tray endwardly outwardly of the channel and unlatched positions retracted from the channel, the carriage and tray being movable by the knob from an operators control position adjacent to the slotted side plate of the casing longitudinally of the casing between opposite loading and unloading positions with coterminous ends of the carriage and tray, and corresponding latch means, extended endwardly out wardly of their respectively adjacent open ends of the casing when the knob abuts the casing at the respectively adjacent ends of the slot.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,426,899 Mutscheller et al. Aug. 22, 1922 1,938,455 Kelly Dec. 5, 1933 2,004,232 Weed June 11, 1935 2,063,878- Linke et al. Dec. 8, 1936 2,617,943 Marks et al. Nov. 11, 1952 2,888,567 Land May 26, 1959 

